This July, Manitou Galleries in Santa Fe, New Mexico, will showcase a dynamic group of artists in a group show celebrating the evolving vision of Western art today. Featuring the distinctive works of Kim Wiggins, Jim Vogel, Howard Post, Jerry Jordan, Starr Hardridge, Dave LaMure Jr. and William Haskell, the exhibition highlights artists whose unique styles and voices continue to extend and push the Western genre forward.
Kim Wiggins, Land of Dixon, oil, 18 x 24 in.
The exhibition, Modern Echoes – Timeless Heritage, focuses on innovation and approaching traditional subject matter through a different lens. The artists included in the show strike a balance between honoring tradition and finding inventive ways of capturing the themes that have long inspired Western painters.
“From bold abstraction to evocative storytelling, each artist brings a unique perspective that honors the spirit of the West while pushing its visual language forward,” says Cyndi Hall, general manager of Manitou Galleries. “Together, these artists demonstrate that Western art is not static or nostalgic—it is living, dynamic and continually expanding.”
Howard Post, Leading the Remuda, oil, 30 x 30 in.
Wiggin’s work pulses with color, bold strokes and dramatic light. It’s rich in culture and rooted in history, while being incredibly modern. His painting Land of Dixon, a scene of horses racing across an open plain with the plateaus and open sky rising above them, merges the spirit of the West with his signature style that pulls from impressionism, expressionism and modernism.
Post paints with a modern, impressionist approach. Known for his unique interpretation of the West, he captures the lands, the people and traditions on the canvas in sun-drenched colors. His painting Leading the Remuda shows a desert sky lit up at sunset in hues of purple and golden clouds building over mountains as a lone white horse makes its way across the foreground.
Haskell captures the timeless beauty and modern relevance of the West. His work reimagines the region through a contemporary lens, as he blends the landscapes with cultural elements. Haskell’s Desert Offering is what could have been a simple desert scene but has been transformed by his signature geometric style. The stars of the painting are the storm clouds that dominate two thirds of the painting, providing a depth and understanding of the intensity of an impending desert storm.
William Haskell, Desert Offering, acrylic, 30 x 24 in.
“Manitou Galleries’ second annual contemporary Western exhibition is a powerful reflection of where Western art stands today rooted in tradition, yet unafraid to evolve. This remarkable group of artists represents the diversity, strength, and innovation shaping the contemporary Western genre,” says Hall.
“Their work challenges expectations, invites deeper conversation, and proves that the West remains an enduring source of inspiration in American art. At Manitou Galleries, we are proud to showcase artists who are not only preserving this legacy but actively redefining it for future generations.”
Modern Echoes – Timeless Heritage begins with a festive opening reception that will be held on July 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. The show runs through July 19. —
Manitou Galleries 123 W. Palace Avenue » Santa Fe, NM 87501 » (505) 986-0440 » www.manitougalleries.com
Powered by Froala Editor
